Jack Murtagh Westmeath tries to gain possession ahead of Philip Nulty Cavan. Photo Ann Hennessy

Gavin happy with ‘strong balance’ in U20 panel

Despite unluckily losing out on a place in the final of the Philly McGuinness Cup, Westmeath U20 football manager Damien Gavin was in upbeat form in Moate last Saturday afternoon after his troops had beaten Cavan in their final round robin game (see pages).

The St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge man welcomed the format of this year’s revised competitions. He stated: “Monaghan are fancied in Ulster, and Armagh and Cavan are always strong. It’s good to play a different brand of football as well. We are used to playing local teams.

“To get the games against the northern teams is a bit of a learning curve for our lads too. In fairness, we were unlucky to lose against Monaghan by a point, but in the last two games the lads showed that they are able to play that level of football which is good. Winning games is good and gives lads a bit of confidence.”

Despite jovially suggesting that the team had not reached their scoring target on the day, the bainisteoir opined: “We have good scoring forwards and even the lads coming off the bench are able to score.

“It’s a very strong squad, and starting players are under pressure to perform. We have a strong balance in it. Johnny Lynam was missing today, but Jack Murtagh stepped into midfield. We are well covered in most positions.”

The Leinster championship commences this year in mid-February with Westmeath travelling to Portlaoise next Saturday fortnight. Gavin concluded by looking ahead to that game, as follows: “Laois are always strong and that’s going to be tough. They pipped us last year after extra-time. So we will try to get a bit of revenge as well.

“They are in a good group (in the Liam Connor Cup) with Dublin, Meath and Kildare, so they will be well tested coming into it. We have three weeks to prepare now.

“We have a few niggling injuries and it will give us time to get ready for the Laois game.”